Of Temples and Caverns (Cont'd) Tilamaires, day 30 of the month Olaesta in the year 5102

Tjaran shakes his head.

Mnar says, "Witch hunts are a fruitless attempt to find something that doesn't exit.. we know there are sympathizers, we even know most of their names."

Arianiss asks, "What happens if someone accuses you of being a sympathizer?"

Juspera says, "We wouldn't be burning them at the stake."

Arianiss peers quizzically at Mnar.

Juspera says, "Just holding them in jail."

Tjaran says, "We are caught in the proverbial rock and a hard place."

Arimantis says, "He must have her somewheres we can't get to"

Arimantis just kissed Ilvane on the nose.

Mnar says, "My record stands for itself. Let them accuse me."

You ask, "Ye think ye won't have people accusing enemies just because they are enemies?"

Arianiss asks, "For the benefit of all, would you agree to be jailed?"

Juspera says, "We could investigate them while they were there."

You ask, "That fella that cheated him one time, so why not?"

You ask, "Investigate how?"

Mnar says, "This is not a blind hunt, this is objective and guided."

You ask, "Look inside their heads?"

Ilvane says, "You can't jail those who think one way because you don't agree."

A small draft catches the flame of a snow white beeswax candle and it flickers brightly.

Arianiss says, "It won't stay that way."

Zosopage asks, "anyone check behind the gate?"

Mnar says, "We will not be swayed by emotion, merely logic."

Arianiss looks over at Mnar and shakes his head.

Arianiss laughs!

Arianiss says, "Sorry."

Mnar says, "Perhaps if you put a fool in charge, Ari. We are not so weak."

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Shonison says, "don't think so, Zoso"

You say, "That is being as bad as the liches."

Tjaran says, "Let me...try again..."

Tjaran gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Tjaran gestures.
Tjaran appears to be listening intently to something.

Juspera furrows her brow.

Mnar says, "No, Iscikella, the liches would be far worse. You know that."

Juspera says, "No wonder this town is getting nowhere."

Mnar says, "That is why you are fighting them."

Tjaran shakes his head.

Kadesha gazes heavenward.

Zosopage nods to Shonison.

Tjaran says, "My voice escapes her."

Aranrhod sighs.

You say, "I am fighting for a free town."

Arianiss leans against a grey altar.

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Arianiss says, "The town already is free."

You say, "Ye would take that away too."

The glow from a snow white beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.

Juspera exclaims, "So do something about those who are fighting for an enslaved town!"

Mnar says, "We would take it away, until this external threat is passed."

Arimantis says, "Is now.. the point be ta keep it that way"

Arianiss says, "The town isn't enslaved."

You say, "It won't be if the liches have their way, Arianiss."

Ilvane says, "Keep in mind they were betrayed too..they are angry because Thurfel is living and they are beings of the undead..for one. Personally, I wish they were all still imprisoned, at least."

Juspera says, "If it were enslaved, they wouldn't have to fight for it."

Arianiss says, "They haven't really been doing much."

Juspera says, "And once this is all over, you can let everyone out of jail, no harm done at all."

You blink at Arianiss.

Arianiss says, "You all are the ones hyped up about it, it's business as usual for everyone else."

You ask, "The liches?"

Juspera says, "It's for everyone's good."

Mnar says, "At times, the good of the town has to be put above the good of the individual... it is better that we all live, then some crude sympathizer be allowed to roam free."

Shonison says, "if their grudge were only against Thurfel, I wouldn't care"

Ilvane asks, "I can understand being angry for being basically buried alive in a tomb..couldn't you?"

You say, "Ye are very wrong, Arianiss."

Ilvane blinks at Mnar.

The glow from a snow white beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.

Arianiss asks, "That so?"

You say, "That's so."

Arianiss says, "I guess I don't live here."

You say, "They have killed scores."

Ilvane says, "I think I wouldn't have a heart if I didn't feel any bit of sympathy."

You say, "Maybe ye don't."

Mnar says, "You know the risks we face, Iscikella."

Mnar says, "Better than some."

Arimantis asks, "What would the charge be.. treason?"

You no longer hear voices in your mind.

Arianiss shakes his head, clucking his tongue.

Arianiss says, "I can't believe you said that."

Juspera says, "Perhaps we'd do better to convince the actual law of this town, Mnar."

Arianiss smiles at you.

Juspera furrows her brow.

Tjaran says, "Please excuse us for placing value on life."

Lord Arianiss just went southwest.

Kadesha says, "Mnar, the liches themselves are the threat, the snovellin sympathisers have no real power to cause additional harm"

Tjaran folds his arms over his chest.

Mnar says, "Sympathizing, consorting, aiding and abetting... even treason, if their actions are hurtful enough."

The beeswax candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the room.

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Juspera says, "Well, Ilvane, we don't really mean people like you."

(Juspera waves her hand vaguely.)

Mnar says, "The sympathizers seek to divide us, to distract us from the true threat.. they damage us more than you know."

Juspera says, "You know... real sympathizers."

Ilvane says, "You can't possibly take fellow towns people and imprison them for thinking a way you don't like."

Mnar says, "Ah, but you can."

Mnar nods to Ilvane.

Tjaran says, "But it is not right."

Shonison says, "the human empire does it all the time"

Mnar says, "It's very easy, actually. It simply requires willpower."

Ilvane asks, "Doesn't that make you just as bad as them?"

You nod to Ilvane.

Mnar says, "No wars are right, Tjaran."

You say, "What I already said."

Ilvane nods.

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

Tjaran says, "But they happen."

You say, "Witch hunts."

Mnar says, "If we wanted to be right, we would lie down now and surrender."

You nod to Ilvane.

Arimantis asks, "But.. what bout for endangerment? For conspirin gainst the town?"

Tjaran says, "It is unavoidable."

Juspera says, "We already imprison people for thinking in a way we don't like. Thinking stealing is all right, for instance."

Juspera nods.

Shonison gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Shonison gestures into the air.
Shonison gets a frustrated look on his face.

Ilvane grins at Juspera.

Juspera says, "Oh yes, and conspiring to treason."

Tjaran says, "Forcing your beliefs upon someone is...sick."

Ilvane says, "Excuse me."

Lady Ilvane just went southwest.

Mnar says, "All wars are an exercise in hurting others... this war is no different."

Juspera says, "If forcing your beliefs on someone is sick, then all government is sick."

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

Tjaran scowls.

Mnar nods to Juspera.

Aranrhod asks, "You cannot round them up...what about the ones that are undecided?"

Tjaran says, "My point escapes you."

Juspera nods.

Mnar asks, "What use are laws, except to impose control?"

Juspera folds her arms over her chest.

Juspera exclaims, "It does!"

Mnar says, "The ones who are undecided will become decided very quickly."

Juspera says, "The ones that are undecided, that is no problem."

You say, "This a halfling town based on freedom."

Zosopage asks, "theres a government here?"

Juspera says, "Oh, yes."

You say, "It isn't the Human Empire."

Kadesha says, "there are no religious laws in Icemule"

You say, "Isn't the Elven Nations."

Mnar says, "Why waver on a fence, when one side lines a deep, dark pit."

Zosopage says, "never see them trying to help anyone"

Juspera asks, "Certainly, can you cast spells that endanger the public in town?"

You say, "Freedom is part the halflings heritage."

Juspera exclaims, "They'll haul you off!"

Aranrhod says, "I would have been in jail a few months ago"

You say, "The left the landing to find it."

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

Juspera says, "And they should haul you off for siding with the town's enemy."

Aranrhod says, "If you choose Thurfel"

You say, "Ye would make what they did nothing."

You say, "So keep elven ideas and human ideas out of halfling philosophy."

You say, "They don't apply."

Mnar says, "This town has enemies within its own gates. The sooner we deal with them, the sooner we can deal with the liches with clear eyes."

Arimantis asks, "What you think the halflins did with those that sided with the council years ago?"

Arimantis peers quizzically at you.

Juspera asks, "Do you all think you are making progress against the liches?"

Tjaran says, "I was raised to respect what others believe."

You ask, "Arimantis, ye believe in witch hunts?"

A darkness begins to spread upon the floor, its form rippling like water.

You cock your head at Arimantis.

The beeswax candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the room.

You blink.

Aranrhod raises an eyebrow.

Tjaran says, "Not many people can say this, but Achillea is my friend."

Mnar put a flagon of blackberry brandy in his Dhe'nari scout cloak.

Shonison searches around for a moment.

Mnar removes a pale dim black rolaren longsword from in his spectre skin sheath.

Aranrhod checks her footing.

(Iscikella glances at the darkness.)

Arimantis says, "No.."

Mnar smirks.

Tjaran says, "If you endanger her, I will defend her."

Mnar says, "They hear us, and they grow afraid."

Juspera says, "I like Achillea too, but we all have to make sacrifices."

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Vonka slowly drifts up from the darkness, and it seals itself up instantly.

Tjaran exclaims, "Vonka!"

Aranrhod just tried to pull Vonka towards her!

You glance at Vonka.
Shonison glances at Vonka.

Vonka says, "Be perlite."

Juspera says, "We don't mean to endanger her. But temporarily locking her up will ensure no one can attack her for her beliefs, you know."

Aranrhod reaches out and holds Vonka's hand.

Arimantis asks, "Vonka hun? You alright?"

Juspera says, "She'd really be better off."

Juspera says, "We all would."

You ask, "Perlite?"

Aranrhod just hugged Vonka.

Mnar nods to Juspera.

You cock your head at Vonka.

Kadesha rubs Vonka gently.

An insidious whisper rises up from the ground, "Of course she's alright."

Vonka says, "Thulevier says he gonner talk--but he gits tired o' folks yellin' at 'im."

Zosopage just hugged Vonka.

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Arimantis says, "Of course.."

Arimantis smirks.

Mnar grins at Juspera.

Vonka says, "I be fine."

You sit up.

Tjaran nods.

You ask, "ye sure?"

Vonka says, "He didn' hurt me none."

Tjaran says, "He did say you would be."

Vonka nods to you.

(Iscikella glances at Vonka worriedly.)

Arimantis says, "Wouldn't yell.. if he said somethin other than threats"

Juspera says, "Perhaps we could have a talk with the deputy, Mnar."

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Shonison asks, "what did he do?"

Mnar asks, "Have none of you wondered why some liches seek to pander to us, to seek favor and portray themselves in a more humane light?"

Slivers of shadow converge on the floor, rising to form the shape of a figure.

Vonka says, "Nuttin'. Jus' talked."

Arimantis begins a careful examination of Vonka -- he takes her pulse, checks her temperature, and checks for broken bones or any other ailments.

Aranrhod glances at Thulevier.

Tjaran turns to face Thulevier.

Mnar says, "They know if they can divide us, half their work is done for them."

The glow from a snow white beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.

Zosopage removes a cherrywood Kai miniature from in his suede backpack.

Tjaran says, "Speak."

Zosopage rubs a cherrywood Kai miniature.

Thulevier says, "This is useless, you realize."

Vonka says, "T'anks, Milord."

Tjaran folds his arms over his chest.

Lady Ilvane's group just arrived.

Zosopage put a cherrywood Kai miniature in his suede backpack.

Arimantis asks, "What is useless?"

Ilvane glances at Thulevier.

Vonka says, "He dun' t'ink yer gonner lissen."

Kadesha seems to be waiting for something.

Thulevier says, "I speak to the little one. She knows."

Juspera asks, "I do sense that trying to convince these people we have a good idea is useless, but what uselessness do you mean?"

Ilvane squints at Thulevier.

Vonka says, "He tol' me yer wouldn'."

Dalboz says, "hey there Thulevier"

Arimantis says, "I will listen to anythin said in a reasonable mannor.. I don listen to treats however"

Dalboz asks, "how ya doin?"

Juspera leans back.

Dalboz grins.

Thulevier asks, "And I am proved right again, am I not?"

You notice Gradin try to tiptoe silently by you.

Mnar says, "Very well, lich. Entreat us."

Vonka shakes her head.

A small draft catches the flame of a snow white beeswax candle and it flickers brightly.

Arimantis gazes heavenward.

Ilvane just hugged Vonka.

Vonka says, "Dey askin' yer ter speak."

You say, "I didn't say anything myself."

Aranrhod turns an inquisitive ear towards Thulevier.

Arimantis says, "I jus said.. speak yer piece, if ya wish to speak"

Ilvane asks, "Vonka, are you alright?"

Aranrhod rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Vonka says, "Dey jus' afraid yer gonner kill 'em all."

Vonka nods to Ilvane.

Vonka says, "I be fine."

Kadesha says, "no reason to not let him speak, perhaps can learn something useful"

Dalboz says, "i wanna hear what the lich has to say"

Tjaran says, "He can kill me if he wants to, I just wish to hear what he says."

Dalboz smirks.

You say, "I'm afraid of a bit more than that, but doesn't matter."

Vonka says, "Jus' try ter not be rude an' call 'im evil an' stuff."

A small draft catches the flame of a snow white beeswax candle and it flickers brightly.

Thulevier asks, "Death will not come tonight. You wish to know why Thurfel is the one you should fight against?"

Arimantis says, "You must admit Thulevier.. prior meetings have not been exactly good for my health, that does not mean I don't wish ta hear"

Arimantis nods to Thulevier.

Vonka says, "Tell 'em whut yer tol' me."

Shonison says, "sure"

Vonka nods to Thulevier.

Arimantis says, "That is exactly what I been askin for an answer to"

Vonka shudders.

Vonka says, "I seen de bodies."

You ask, "What bodies?"

Ilvane says, "Perhaps if you were less prone to killing people for sport, I would be more prone to listen."

Ilvane turns away from Thulevier, ignoring him.

You peer quizzically at Vonka.
Kadesha peers quizzically at Vonka.

Mnar says, "You'll forgive us if we're... skeptical of any claims you might make. But please, speak."

Vonka says, "Lotser bodies."

Arimantis asks, "Bodies?"

Vonka gulps.

A faint, flickering light emanates from a snow white beeswax candle, warming the room with its glow.

Juspera says, "He's going to bore us to death."

Juspera nods.

Vonka says, "One o' dem be Thulevier's wife."

Juspera says, "That's their new weapon."

Juspera blinks.

You say, "I've seen many bodies a few times myself."

You say, "Right here."

Arimantis asks, "Ya gots a wife?"

Thulevier says, "He ripped the last tie to this world I had. The world of the living. I say this only to convince the little one, I care not of skepticism, doubt... or any other thing you might claim."

Arimantis peers quizzically at Thulevier.

Thulevier says, "Had."

Ilvane asks, "You had a wife?"

Ilvane blinks at Thulevier.

Vonka nods to Ilvane.

Thulevier asks, "I was alive once, was I not?"

You say, "Aye, that was never in question."

Juspera shifts her weight.

You nod to Thulevier.

Ilvane says, "I just thought..with your temper.."

A faint, flickering light emanates from a snow white beeswax candle, warming the room with its glow.

Ilvane says, "Not many women would like that."

Ilvane shakes her head.

Thulevier says, "My temper? Thurfel's doing. Why? He placed her corpse in my chambers."

Mnar says, "You still are alive, in a sense. A dim mockery of life, but alive nevertheless."

Vonka's face turns slightly pale.

Ilvane blinks at Thulevier.

Juspera asks, "Is that bad?"

Ilvane closes her eyes for a moment.

Vonka says, "He muster brung 'er der... an' den kilt 'er."

Arimantis says, "I doubt.. cause I seen nothin from any of the lichs but.. well but fireballs. Under them conditions, ya must understand why people get um... jumpy"

Thulevier says, "She was well and alive when I was imprisoned. Her death was his doing, as were the deaths of any I might have known while the Council was intact and not locked away."

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

Arimantis ponders.

Mnar cocks his head.

You ask, "If ye were imprisoned, how do ye know this?"

You cock your head at Thulevier.

Arimantis asks, "How do you know it was his doin?"

Arimantis nods.

Kadesha says, "I always have understood the anger toward Thurfel, just not the rest of us"

Aranrhod says, "He put the bodies in the tomb"

Thulevier says, "Only the Councilman knew of my chambers. Try and deduce who was the only Councilman freed."

Shonison says, "you are both guilty of unspeakable crimes. Its just a matter of choosing the lesser evil"

Arimantis says, "Im not arguin.. just tryin ta understand"

Shonison shrugs.

Ilvane furrows her brow.

Zosopage nods to Kadesha.
Vonka nods to Arimantis.

Juspera asks, "Don't you feel a little bit guilty that your behavior led to the death of your wife?"

Juspera folds her arms over her chest.

Juspera shifts her weight.

Juspera idly scratches herself on the neck.

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Dalboz says, "why should he feel guilty"

Mnar asks, "If she had never wed him, would she have met such a fate?"

Vonka asks, "Yer see, Milord?"

Ilvane says, "You could have just been reasonable and not been looking for power in the first place..maybe then your wife would be alive now."

Arimantis says, "What bout Yfa.. how does she fit inta this mess, exactly"

Arimantis peers quizzically at Thulevier.

Juspera says, "He seems to want to place all the onus on Thurfel."

Mnar says, "I would feel guilty if my office resulted in the death of my family."

Vonka says, "Dey all be skert, but dey be lissenin'."

You ask, "Scared of what?"

Dalboz says, "just a price they payed mnar"

Mnar nods to Vonka.

Juspera says, "I may sympathize with your wife, but not with a lich."

Mnar says, "Go on."

Elendr just arrived.

You say, "No one can touch ye."

You cock your head at Thulevier.

Kadesha says, "can you please continue, Thulevier? some of us wish to listen"

Arimantis nods.

A small draft catches the flame of a snow white beeswax candle and it flickers brightly.

Ilvane says, "Though I can't imagine what it would be like if someone hurt him."

Ilvane just kissed Arimantis on the nose.
Arimantis just kissed Ilvane on the forehead.

Elendr cocks his head.

Ilvane says, "I might get angry too.."

Thulevier says, "You see now, then? Were it not for him, there would be no rage."

Elendr smiles softly as he lowers himself into a sitting position.

Elendr sits down.

Ilvane asks, "But why take it out on us?"

You say, "Ye direct this rage at others who had no part in this."

Shonison asks, "why don't you just kill him?"

Ilvane asks, "If you are angry at him, why hurt us?"

You ask, "Why do that?"

Thulevier says, "You understand not, nor do you believe. Even now I see doubt in your eyes."

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

Tjaran asks, "Maybe to show you first hand his feelings?"

Juspera says, "Yes, and were it not for a thief stealing from a guard, and the guard slaying him, the thief would have no rage either."

Ilvane says, "We didn't have part in what Thurfel did."

Juspera says, "You cannot put the onus on Thurfel."

Arimantis asks, "Wouldn't it have been a better plan.. ta seek our aid then, stead of killin?"

A loud rasping noise fills your head.

You say, "That does not answer the question, Thulevier."

Ilvane says, "We didn't even have part in putting you in that mauseleum."

Shonison says, "if you directed your rage solely at Thurfel, I wouldn't care one bit"

You say, "Stop, Glibber."

Ilvane glances at Thulevier.

Aranrhod says, "Your rage is not directed at only Thurfel"

You say, "Yer rasping is annoying."

Arimantis says, "Ya must understand doubt is natural.. workin with two sides of things completly beyond our knowledge at the moment"

You say, "Why do ye possess unwilling people."

You ask, "Force their bodies?"

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Thulevier asks, "Aid? Come now, you bear the symbol of Ronan. If you might find me alone in the woods, would you not attempt to slay me?"

(Elendr stares at Thulevier, his eyes full of warmth.)

Thulevier peers quizzically at Arimantis.

You say, "Hurt them."

You ask, "Take their voices?"

Arimantis says, "If you meant me no harm.. no"

You say, "Steal from their souls."

Dalboz says, "i know i would try and help ya out Thulevier"

Dalboz smirks.

Arimantis says, "I have many I call friend who are of Lornon"

Juspera asks, "Why exactly are you telling us about your wife?"

Elendr smiles at Vonka.

Kadesha says, "he hasnt killed Achillea yet, Thulevier"

Vonka bites her lip.

Mnar asks, "Why persist in this farce, then? Why not loose these surly bonds and join your wife?"

Ilvane says, "To garner sympathy..there is good reason not to sympathize.."

Kadesha says, "probably should"

Juspera says, "We are not such fools as to change our opinion about someone based on some story our enemy told us."

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

The rasping grows louder by the minute, making it difficult for you to think, let alone speak coherently.

Thulevier says, "I tell it only for the little one's clarity of mind. I have no reason to think any of you might believe me."

Ilvane says, "I feel sad for your wife, not you. Not after what you have done."

Juspera says, "That's quite right, if you miss your wife so much..."

Juspera shrugs.

Ilvane looks over at Thulevier and shakes her head.

You cover your ears.

Juspera says, "Join her in the afterlife."

You exclaim, "Glibber, stop!"

Juspera leans back.

Shonison says, "you still have not answered why you drag everyone into a personal dispute"

Dalboz says, "i believe you Thulevier"

Elendr blinks.

Vonka blinks at you.

Arimantis asks, "What are yer goals Thulevier.. what do ya wish to happen now?"

Thulevier says, "Thurfel drags you into this. He takes refuge under your town, he uses you as a shield."

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Vonka says, "He wan's me ter join wit' 'im."

Ilvane says, "Of course he does."

Ilvane glances at Vonka.

Shonison asks, "you cannot attack his island without going through the city?"

Kadesha glances over at Vonka and winces.

Dalboz says, "i personally would have thurfel die afore i would have him speak to me"

You say, "of course he does, Vonka."

Aranrhod says, "But your rage is directed at the town"

You ask, "That surprises ye?"

Vonka says, "He wan's me ter see dat he dun' have no choice but ter persess folks."

Aranrhod glances at Thulevier.

Mnar frowns.

Ilvane says, "Until he is done with your shell, uses you..and lets you die.."

Elendr sighs softly.

Vonka says, "Acos we won' lissen udderwise."

Ilvane closes her eyes for a moment.

Mnar says, "There are better ways to sell your soul, Vonka."

Thulevier says, "There are defenses unseen."

You say, "But Elendr gave in and is still possessed, Vonka."

Adimiron suddenly fades into view.

Arimantis asks, "What be yer intentions for the town.. should ya win?"

You say, "Still is drained of spirit."

Juspera says, "For all the good this is doing, you may as well have come here to tell us Thurfel gave you a hangnail, and it hurts."

Juspera scratches herself on the arm.

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

Juspera clears her throat.

Shonison says, "say we joined you against him. what then? Thurfel has at least promised a festival and an economic boost"

Shonison shrugs.

Vonka says, "He says dat iffin I joins 'im, onny Thurfel gonner die."

Vonka says, "No one else."

Ilvane grins at Juspera.

Iscikella says, "Vkano, see his is sprit"

Elendr says, "Drained, because I allow it though. It is of my own free will."

Thulevier says, "I sleep. I lusted for power once, and now I have it. Look what there is to show for it."

You blink.

Ilvane nods to Thulevier.

You ask, "Elymir, ye going to talk now too?"

Tjaran looks rather confused.

Ilvane says, "And you still see it."

Arimantis asks, "Die.. perhaps not.. What are yer intentions for the town, an the nexus?"

Arimantis peers quizzically at Thulevier.

Ilvane says, "Seek rather."

Vonka's face turns slightly pale.

Ilvane coughs.

Aranrhod sighs.

You ask, "Who is Vkano?"

Kadesha asks, "so Thulevier, Luukos's promises were rather hollow?"

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

You ask, "Or what?"

Thulevier says, "To not allow Thurfel to hold it."

Juspera asks, "Wouldn't you be much better off if you just... slipped away?"

Arimantis asks, "But.. after, if he should be gone. What then?"

Mnar says, "You're a lich, you can depart this world any time you want..."

Ilvane paces back and forth.

Juspera says, "There are far better fates than to be a lich, no matter how powerful, whining about his wife and dangling bits of flesh everywhere."

Thulevier says, "I told you what I would do. Sleep."

Juspera scratches herself on the arm.

Vonka says, "Den he says he gonner sleep."

Elendr gazes in awe at Thulevier.

Shonison asks, "does that go for all of you?"

Mnar says, "Join your wife, if you miss her so. Otherwise do not peddle tales to us of Thurfel."

Ilvane asks, "Sleep?"

Shonison asks, "or just yourself?"

Vonka says, "Yer didn' see 'is wife, Juspera."

Vonka bites her lip.

Arimantis asks, "So.. this whole mess sorta be.. yer last task?"

You ask, "Who is Vkano?"

Juspera asks, "I didn't. Should it matter?"

The noise in your head grows deafeningly loud, making it difficult to concentrate.

Zosopage asks, "is there any possible way to bring you back to life?"

Ilvane says, "Sleeping is kind of nice in the right place."

Mnar whispers, "Probably an anagram of Vonka"

You cover your ears.

Ilvane nods to Thulevier.

Thulevier smiles grimly up at Mnar, the tendons of his face pulling upwards in a grotesque smile.

You exclaim, "Glibber, stop!"

Vonka winces.

You furrow up your face and wince.

Thulevier says, "Thurfel wears many masks that conceal a face far more ugly than my little visage."

Shonison says, "if you go to sleep but your friends continue to attack the city, that doesn't do us much good"

Elendr furrows his brow.

Dalboz glares.

Mnar nods.

A small draft catches the flame of a snow white beeswax candle and it flickers brightly.

Mnar says, "I'll believe that. Would that others did too."

Ilvane asks, "How do you know he showed you his wife, and not something of someone he had harmed before?"

Arimantis says, "Well.. must admit he seems ta have the power ta change things.."

(Tjaran wanders off, looking lost.)

Tjaran turns around.

Lord Tjaran just went southwest.

(Iscikella rubs her temples.)

Vonka's knees begin to shake.

Ilvane blinks at Vonka.

Vonka kneels down.

Arimantis rubs Vonka gently.

Vonka leans on Arimantis.

Kadesha rubs Vonka gently.

Mnar says, "Rest assured, Lich. Before this ends, Thurfel will be in his grave."

You glance at Mnar.

A faint, flickering light emanates from a snow white beeswax candle, warming the room with its glow.

Dalboz nods to Mnar.

Arimantis asks, "Say we was ta side with you.. what would ya have us do?"

Vonka stares at Mnar.

Elendr cocks his head.

Ilvane asks, "Thulevier, were you not a lich when Thurfel brought her there?"

Juspera shifts her weight.

Ilvane looks thoughtfully at Thulevier.

Thulevier says, "This is why I fight. This is a war, and your town is the battlefield. Hear my words, for they will not be spoken again. You need not believe them, I have become well-accustomed to the living and their attitudes toward me."

Thulevier says, "I was not."

Ilvane frowns.

Ilvane says, "I don't like him any more than I like you."

Ilvane flails her arms about.

You whisper quietly to Aranrhod, "Are ye hearing Gavrail speak or is she just a noise in my head?"

A faint, flickering light emanates from a snow white beeswax candle, warming the room with its glow.

Shonison says, "we are nothing but pawns in a massive wizard duel"

Shonison chuckles.

Ilvane says, "Not that it matters."

Aranrhod whispers, "Just you"

Ilvane grins at Shonison.

Ilvane says, "Exactly."

Arimantis asks, "What would you have us do, should we choose yer side in all this?"

Vonka shakes her head.

(Iscikella takes a deep breath.)

Vonka says, "Bein' a pawn be easy."

Ilvane says, "We are caught between enemies who want to destroy each other."

Aranrhod glances at you.

Aranrhod rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Dalboz says, "yes but i choose the winning side of this game shonison"

Juspera says, "I've heard your words, but I think I'm missing the point of them."

Your temples throb.

Thulevier says, "Fight against Thurfel. Know him for what he is."

Dalboz grins.

You think to yourself, "I'll fight alone then."

Aranrhod blinks.

You furrow up your face and wince.

Adimiron glances at you.

(Iscikella rubs her temples.)

You say, "My head."

Ilvane asks, "What are you saying?"

Ilvane squints at you.

Juspera nods to Thulevier.

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

You say, "Is going to explode."

Shonison says, "indeed, but I am not sure which side is winning"

Mnar nods to Thulevier.

(Iscikella rubs her temples.)

Mnar says, "We can do that."

(Iscikella holds her head and moans softly.)

Vonka cocks her head at Thulevier.

Juspera says, "Some of us already had a healthy sense of doubt about Thurfel, but..."

Juspera says, "Some don't."

Aranrhod nods to Juspera.

Arimantis says, "Well.. that would seem obvious, but how exactly. We aren't exactly jus gonna out power him.."

Kadesha says, "and when Thurfel is defeated? then what? I have never trusted Thurfel, but I don't trust any undead things that served Luukos either"

Vonka asks, "Thulevier, be it Elymir in Iscikella's head right now?"

Mnar says, "Others... well, they are easily deceived by a silver tongue."

You look at Vonka and shake your head.

You say, "Glibber."

Thulevier shifts his eyes over toward Iscikella.

Adimiron peers quizzically at you.

Vonka asks, "Who be glibber?"

Ilvane asks, "Glibber?"

Thulevier says, "He is not."

You say, "Gavrail the Glib."

Aranrhod says, "Gavrail"

Mnar whispers, "I don't like this glibber pet-name"

A snow white beeswax candle glows warmly with a soft, flickering light.

Elendr furrows his brow.

You whisper quietly to Mnar, "There is a reason."

Iscikella gibbers.

Vonka stares at Elendr.

Mnar whispers, "Very well"

You say, "Glibber stop."

Arimantis says, "Thulevier.. you be the first one what has actually told me anythin, least while I was still alive"

You exclaim, "Stop!"

Arimantis glances at you.

Thulevier says, "I told you what I intended."

(Iscikella rubs her temples.)

Mnar whispers, "Perhaps if it annoys Gavrail, or bothers him..."

Vonka nods.

Mnar frowns.

Ilvane sighs.

Ilvane sits down.

Thulevier says, "Now you know. And so do you, little one."

Mnar asks, "What about you, then?"

Mnar cocks his head at Thulevier.

Elendr says, "Gavrail is not likely here."

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Vonka says, "He wouldn' talk acos he said yer dun' lissen."

Elendr sighs softly.

You say, "She is."

Mnar asks, "Where do you go from here?"

You say, "Inside my head."

You think to yourself, "Thinking to use me now, magess? No!"

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Ilvane looks thoughtfully at Thulevier.

Ilvane leans against the south wall.

Shonison says, "Thurfel is a terrible, insane criminal...we already knew that"

Arimantis says, "Hard ta listen, whiles fireballs are shootin at my head"

(Elendr lowers his head, sighing heavily.)

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Vonka nods.

Vonka says, "Aye."

You think to yourself, "So I fight alone. Ye won't cow me."

Vonka cocks her head at Thulevier.

Aranrhod nods.

Thulevier says, "I have naught but death. Death is what I shall work through to achieve my ends."

Vonka says, "Yer see, mebber dey ain' convinced, but dey be lissenin'."

You say, "Then ye can expect little but the same in return."

Dalboz kneels down.

Kadesha asks, "um, whos death?"

Ilvane removes a plush snow-white toy elf from in her black silk cloak.

Thulevier says, "And Thurfel will be destroyed."

Aranrhod asks, "By killing innocents?"

Ilvane gives her snow-white toy elf a warm hug.

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Juspera asks, "Do you hate anything besides Thurfel?"

Dayzed just arrived.

Dayzed sits down.

Mnar says, "The undead hate the living second only to themselves."

(Dalboz gazes upwards with the look of insanity in his eyes.)

Thulevier says, "War means death. The little one knows what I have said about these matters. She may relate it to you if she would like."

Dalboz falls over.

Kadesha says, "Thulevier, you know, early on, Thurfel had few supporters, was the raging of your kind and senseless killing that turned many toward Thurfel"

You say, "That is not an excuse."

Vonka nods.

Juspera says, "Hate is such an impediment to achievement,

you know." Zosopage nods to Kadesha.

Dayzed winks at Adimiron.

Arimantis says, "What will happen ta them possessed? One of the others said there would be nothin left of em.."

The glow from a snow white beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.

Vonka says, "T'ank yer, Milord."

Kadesha says, "I still dislike Thurfel but I cant see why to trust the council"

You say, "One? Several."

You say, "I don't trust them."

Vonka says, "It were good o' yer ter come an' not kill folks."

Iscikella gibbers some more.

Elendr says, "That depends largely on the outcome of the war I'd imagine."

You exclaim, "Stop Glibber!"

Aranrhod raises an eyebrow in your direction.

You exclaim, "Go play with yer toy!"

You point at Elendr.

Thulevier says, "There is a rage inside all of my brothers and sisters. You do not know what it is like to be locked away for years, wasting away and betrayed..."

Shonison says, "Thurfel at least speaks for his entire side...you do not seem to speak for the entire council. You going to sleep alone will not be sufficient"

Vonka bites her lip.

A faint, flickering light emanates from a snow white beeswax candle, warming the room with its glow.

Ilvane says, "I do understand some."

Mnar says, "Perhaps you should reconsider the bonds that tie you to that shell. You might decide they're not worth keeping."

Juspera says, "Well I should think that after years, you'd have learned to deal with it and stop fuming."

Ilvane nods to Thulevier.
Mnar nods to Thulevier.

Thulevier says, "Then only to find out the one who betrayed you not only did that, but destroyed anything you might have had in life."

Kadesha says, "maybe you should rage against whom you served in life? seems he let you down more"

Kadesha nods to Thulevier.

Arimantis asks, "What bout the others.. they have the same position as you do?"

Thulevier says, "That is the source of our rage. Know it, disbelieve it or believe it."

You think to yourself, "I am not cajoled, Glibber."

You say, "I disbelieve it."

Ilvane asks, "Do you wish that you hadn't sought the power, so long ago?"

Iscikella gibbers.

Juspera asks, "What's the chance of you and your pals just killing Thurfel and going away?"

Dalboz shudders.

Dalboz blinks.

You exclaim, "STOP, GLIBBER!"

Juspera clears her throat.

Dayzed grins.

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

Dalboz stands up.

Iscikella gibbers.

You exclaim, "Go play with a body that wants ye!"

You point at Elendr.

Dalboz shakes his head.

Dalboz blinks.

Ilvane grins at you.

Thulevier says, "I return to the depths of the grave."

You say, "And leave me out of yer shenanigans."

Shonison chuckles.

Elendr cocks his head.

Thulevier says, "Know it, little one."

Mnar shakes his head.

Vonka bites her lip.

Vonka nods to Thulevier.

Thulevier suddenly explodes into hazy shadowy shards that seep into the surroundings and disappear.

Aranrhod rubs her eyes.

(Iscikella rubs her temples.)

Vonka closes her eyes for a moment.

Arimantis gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

Adimiron hums distractedly to himself.

(Elendr takes a deep breath, closing his eyes in the process.)

The glow from a snow white beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.

Kadesha sighs.

Dalboz gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

Kadesha glances at the north wall.

Vonka bites her lip.

Arimantis paces back and forth.

Ilvane says, "Can you imagine..having the body of your dead wife, there taunting you.."

Vonka sobs.

You say, "Yes."

Elendr flinches.

Vonka buries her face in her hands.

Ilvane says, "Thurfel is such a beast."

You say, "Elymir used the death of my husband."

Juspera says, "If she had the gall to taunt me, well, she deserved to die."

You say, "Against me."

Arimantis just kissed Ilvane.

You say, "I do not believe the Nine."

You stand back up.

The sweet scent of perfume settles around Elendr's body, then dissipates.

Dayzed frowns at you.

Iscikella gibbers.

Arimantis suddenly lets out a noise sounding much like a stuck rolton.

Aranrhod glances at Elendr.

You exclaim, "GLIBBER, STOP!"

Shonison says, "he has a justifiable cause against Thurfel, certainly...but not against us"

Iscikella gibbers.

Elendr sighs quietly.

You point at Elendr.

Dayzed asks, "do ya believe Thurfel, though?"

You exclaim, "There is yer toy!"

Vonka sobs.

You exclaim, "Play with it!"

Iscikella gibbers.

Mnar says, "I think we need to assume, for now, that Thulevier may have been lying."

Arimantis sits down.

Ilvane asks, "Thulevier...he is justifyably angry..but why does he hurt us?"

Arimantis clasps Ilvane's hand tenderly.

Arimantis cuddles up with Ilvane.

You nod to Mnar.

Vonka sobs.

Aranrhod nods to Ilvane.

Juspera says, "I think we need to assume both that Thulevier may be lying and that Thurfel must be doubted."

You squint at Vonka.

Arimantis says, "Anyone of em could be lyin"

Mnar says, "But, that doesn't alter the jist of his message, that we shouldn't trust Thurfel."

You say, "I am disappointed in ye, Vonka."

Juspera nods to Mnar.

Iscikella gibbers.

Elendr gazes heavenward.

Vonka blinks.

You exclaim, "GLIBBER, STOP!"

Dalboz says, "i think we should all just go kill thurfel first chance we get"

Vonka gazes at you with a look of utter sorrow in her eyes.

Dalboz grins.

Shonison says, "I doubt many of us really trust Thurfel anyway"

You gaze at Vonka with a look of utter sorrow in your eyes.

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

Dayzed nods to Shonison.

Elendr asks, "How long have I been trying to tell you this?"

Elendr sighs sadly.

Mnar says, "Neither Thurfel nor any of the other liches have given us cause to believe them..."

Dayzed says, "why trust a doublecrosser..."

Juspera says, "Iscikella, shouting at her isn't working, but it is alarming us. Perhaps you should just yell at her silently in your head."

Juspera bites her lip.

Arimantis says, "And.. even if he isn't lyin, does he speak fer all em when he says all he wants is Thurfel"

Dayzed nods to Juspera.

Dayzed ducks his head.

You ask, "alarming ye?"

Iscikella gibbers.

Juspera nods.

You say, "Not as long as she is doing that, I am not going to stop yelling at her."

Shonison says, "if he did, I feel he would have told us that"

Iscikella gibbers.

You say, "She has a body that wants her."

Ilvane nods to Vonka.

You point at Elendr.

Iscikella gibbers.

Juspera winces.

Arimantis just kissed Ilvane on the forehead.

A small draft catches the flame of a snow white beeswax candle and it flickers brightly.

You say, "She can leave me alone."

Iscikella gibbers.

(Vonka crawls over to Aranrhod and lays her head in her lap.)

Juspera says, "But you could yell, you know, in your head."

Vonka just hugged Aranrhod.

Juspera says, "I'm sure she will hear it."

Elendr says, "You are a very angry individual."

Aranrhod sits down.

Mnar glances at Vonka.

Elendr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

Aranrhod sighs.

Aranrhod just hugged Vonka.

Mnar says, "As for you, Vonka. Be careful."

Kadesha rubs Vonka gently.

Aranrhod nods to Vonka.

Ilvane says, "I think he just needs to let it go..and go be with his wife."

You ask, "Oh?"

You ask, "This from the one who took my leg?"

You glare at Elendr.

Elendr says, "Then Thurfel will destroy you."

Elendr nods to Ilvane.

Dayzed whistles tunelessly to himself.

Vonka shudders.

Mnar says, "It's easy to accidentally sell your soul when dealing with creatures like that."

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

Shonison asks, "Vonka, what did he say to you personally?"

Dayzed winks at Elendr.

Elendr says, "You hounded me when I told you to stop, Iscikella. And I did apologise. It was wrong of me."

Ilvane says, "I want Thurfel dead as much as you all do."

Ilvane nods to Elendr.

You say, "I did not hound ye when ye attacked me."

Iscikella gibbers.

You slap yourself on the forehead! Doh!

Dalboz says, "wow"

Arimantis blinks.

Ilvane says, "I personally do not believe he is our savior."

Vonka sniffs.

Vonka says, "Mos'ly whut he tol' ter yer."

Shonison gestures into the air.

You exclaim, "Stop, Glibber!"

Iscikella gibbers.

Elendr says, "I told you to leave me alone. And you wouldn't."

Lord Zosopage just went southwest.

Shonison nods to Vonka.

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

[Hall of the Holy Struggle]
The walls of this circular chamber are filled with pictures of horror and of goodness. The western walls are covered with carvings of undead beings, etched in disgusting detail, while the eastern walls bear bas-relief warriors in gleaming armor marching to war. The pictures seem to be chasing each other in a perpetual hunt, although you could better see if you looked more closely. Two altars have been erected in the room, one tinted black, the other white. A spiral staircase leads up to the next level.
Obvious exits: southeast, up.

You belt out, "GLIBBER! COME OUT AND FACE ME, YE COWARD!"

Lord Zosopage just arrived.

You mutter something inaudible.

Zosopage says, "no idea where"

You ask, "Where what?"

You cock your head at Zosopage.

Zosopage says, "all those people died"

Zosopage smiles.

[Hall of the Mind]
An aura of tranquility sits over the room. Stars twinkle on the south wall, comforting as they sparkle in the blackness, while the north wall glows a pearlescent grey the color of the moon behind mist. A black altar sits before the starry sky, and a grey altar seems to fade out of the misty wall. You also see a snow white beeswax candle.
Also in the room: Dayzed who is seated, Elendr who is seated, Adimiron, Lady Ilvane who is seated, Vonka who is kneeling, High Lord Shonison, Arimantis who is seated, High Lady Kadesha, Aranrhod who is seated, Juspera, Mnar
Obvious exits: southwest, up.

Kadesha rubs you gently.

Elendr says, "No, that's all you heard. I had no proof, just as Thulevier has no proof. What I told you was what Thulevier said himself."

Lord Zosopage just arrived.

Vonka stares at you.

Iscikella gibbers.

You glare at Vonka.

Kadesha says, "Iscikella, Vonka made no promises, she merely spoke with him"

Vonka blinks.

Elendr glances at you.

You glance at Elendr.

A faint, flickering light emanates from a snow white beeswax candle, warming the room with its glow.

(Vonka buries her face in Aranrhod's chest.)

Arimantis says, "But he offered examples.. which I din have before"

Aranrhod just hugged Vonka.

Elendr says, "don't harm her for making decisions on her own."

Ilvane snuggles up to Arimantis.

Kadesha moves to stand in front of Vonka.

Kadesha rubs Vonka gently.

You say, "I don't have the ability to harm her."

Elendr says, "As I told you. I am not able to speak of the lich's anguish. It's not my place."

You say, "I don't kill people."

Vonka says, "Yer kin hurt wit' yer looks."

(Elendr shrugs helplessly.)

Kadesha says, "glaring at her is rather hurtful, she did not agree to serve him"

You hear an odd thumping, but can't seem to place the source.

Juspera glances at Mnar.

Arimantis says, "Gavrail wasn't willin ta say anythin regardin her reasons either"

Juspera grins.

Dayzed searches around for a moment.

Ilvane asks, "Elendr, do you feel more peaceful with her out of your head?"

The beeswax candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the room.

Aranrhod says, "We have to remember Iscikella is in pain also"

Elendr cocks his head at Ilvane.

Aranrhod sighs.

Vonka nods to Aranrhod.

Kadesha says, "well she don need take it out on Vonka of all people"

Vonka hangs her head.

You hear someone cackle.

Mnar mutters sickward.

You say, "I don't have the power to do a thing."

Elendr says, "If Gavrail wishes to tell you of her history, then that is her business. Though you likely won't ever get a chance to hear it now."

Elendr sighs sadly.

Ilvane asks, "Why not?"

Arimantis says, "Bah.. if anythin happened ta Ilvane, I might go on a killin spree too. If he is tellin the truth"

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

Juspera says, "I suppose Gavrail had a wife too."

Juspera rolls her eyes.

Ilvane begins chuckling at Juspera.

Arimantis says, "Hmm.. now that would be a good story"

Aranrhod grins at Juspera.

Elendr tilts his head up.

Arimantis coughs.

Aranrhod coughs.

Ilvane glances at Arimantis.

Elendr flinches.

Ilvane mutters under her breath.

Arimantis fidgets.

Arimantis asks, "Hmm.. who said that?"

(Iscikella rubs her temples.)

Arimantis searches around for a moment.

Arimantis grumbles.

Ilvane exclaims, "You!"

You sit down.

Ilvane gives Arimantis a good pinch!

You say, "My head is going to explode."

(Elendr casts his eyes towards the floor, his features sad and tired.)

Aranrhod rubs you gently.

Ilvane asks, "She left you?"

Arimantis sighs.

Ilvane glances at Elendr.

(Mnar wanders over to Vonka, kneeling casually next to her.)

The glow from a snow white beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.

Someone just snuffed out a snow white beeswax candle.

Vonka cocks her head at Mnar.

Search
You don't find anything of interest here.

Aranrhod lights the beeswax candle, which flickers and begins to burn.

Lord Tjaran just arrived.

Tjaran sits down.

Ilvane clasps her arms around her knees and rocks back and forth.

(Mnar places his cheek next to Vonka's, whispering quietly.)

Someone just snuffed out a snow white beeswax candle.

Arimantis snuggles up to Ilvane.

Arimantis sighs.

Ilvane lights the beeswax candle, which flickers and begins to burn.

Kadesha gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Kadesha gestures.
Dalboz is discovered by Kadesha!

Dalboz just went southwest.
Dalboz just arrived.

Dalboz coughs.

Juspera idly scratches herself on the neck.

You think to yourself, "Damable lich! Ye have no right on me! Ye have ye damn spineless jellyfish."

Dalboz whistles tunelessly to himself.

Tjaran leans forward.

Ilvane gives Dalboz a little prod between the shoulder

blades. Kadesha says, "imitatin Sheka? thats low"

Mnar kneels down.

Dalboz grins.

Mnar nods to Vonka.

You think to yourself, "Use his body and leave me alone!"

Arimantis removes a glob of lint-covered chocolate chip cookie dough from in his collectors satchel.

Ilvane gazes fondly at Arimantis.

Dalboz asks, "how'd ya know it was me?"

Dalboz grins.

Quite diligently, Arimantis rolls his cookie dough into a perfectly round ball.

Vonka gazes fondly at Mnar.

Curiously, Arimantis pokes his finger deep into his cookie dough, leaving a big hole in the thing.

Tjaran hangs his head.

Juspera glances at Vonka.

Ilvane grins at Arimantis.

Your temples throb!

(Iscikella rubs her temples.)

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

Quite diligently, Arimantis rolls his cookie dough into a perfectly round ball.

Kadesha says, "didn't, just knew was someone invisible being childish"

Tjaran takes off a pair of small gold-rimmed spectacles.
Tjaran rubs his eyes.

Arimantis just kissed Ilvane.

Ilvane asks, "Are you thinking?"

Ilvane grins at Arimantis.

Dalboz just went southwest.

Tjaran puts on a pair of small gold-rimmed spectacles.

Aranrhod leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Vonka gasps.

Vonka stares at Mnar.

Elendr furrows his brow.

Mnar stands up.

Flashes of pain pierce through your temples.

Ilvane removes a moonstone-set deep black volume from in her black silk cloak.

(Iscikella draws her knees up and rests her head on them, eyes glazing over.)

Ilvane carefully opens a moonstone-set deep black volume.

Vonka nods.

Kadesha glances at Mnar.

Vonka nods to Mnar.

Kadesha glances at Vonka.

Vonka says, "Aye."

Arimantis asks, "Bah.. I gots that confused.. my brain is hurtin look again?"

Arimantis glances at Ilvane.

Ilvane removes a small silver-tipped quill from in her deep black volume.

Tjaran says, "I am always thinking...usually too much for my own good."

Elendr cocks his head.

Mnar smiles wanly at Vonka.

Mnar says, "Be careful."

The glow from a snow white beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.

Ilvane turns the page in her deep black volume.

Quite diligently, Arimantis rolls his cookie dough into a perfectly round ball.

Vonka says, "Like Thulevier dun'."

Vonka weeps softly, quiet tears falling from her eyes.

(Mnar wanders back to Juspera.)

(Juspera slips her arm through Mnar's.)

(Ilvane makes some notes in her volume)

Ilvane ponders.

Juspera glances at Mnar.

You say, "My head..."

Iscikella gibbers.

(Vonka looks off into the distance, her face slowly falling apart with grief.)

You feel the blood drain from your face.

(Mnar touches his forehead to Juspera's for a moment, then goes back to staring at Iscikella with a mixture of interest and disgust.)

Kadesha just touched Vonka.

Elendr rubs Vonka gently.

Vonka blinks.

Your temples continue to throb.

Kadesha rubs you gently.

Ilvane says, "Vonka..I know that you he told you that story..so you would feel sad for him."

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

You moan.

Juspera tilts her head down.

Juspera grins.

Vonka stares at Kadesha.

Vonka turns to face Ilvane.

Ilvane says, "And it is easy to feel sad..but he may not be telling the truth.."

Vonka says, "Aye...."

You say, "My head..."

You cry in pain, weeping with your torment.

Ilvane just hugged Vonka.

Kadesha peers quizzically at Vonka.

Juspera says, "I do feel sad."

Tjaran asks, "Do you know where I just was, Vonka?"

Vonka says, "Yer oughter seen de bodies."

Juspera says, "If I lost someone I loved... I would become a different person."

Ilvane says, "I feel badly for him too, if it is true..but that is a very big if."

Vonka looks over at Tjaran and shakes her head.

Arimantis says, "At this point.. I don know who be tellin the truth, er if anyone is.."

Juspera says, "But still."

Arimantis nods to Juspera.

A snow white beeswax candle glows warmly with a soft, flickering light.

Kadesha asks, "okay Gavrail, Vonka, you might notice how kind Gavrail is being toward Iscikella right now, perhaps, the liches lie, yes?"

Shonison says, "maybe you should have someone put you to sleep or something for a moment. the pain would be gone"

Ilvane says, "You know..when my mother left my father there.."

Ilvane nods to Vonka.

Tjaran says, "Nevermind, then..."

Mnar says, "Or something."

Elendr says, "Iscikella has shown no kindness towards Gavrail or any of the liches."

Ilvane says, "I feel for him, if it is true."

Juspera says, "Cry for his wife, but him, his actions... Thulevier is past being sad for."

Ilvane closes her eyes for a moment.

Aranrhod removes a skin of spring water from in her hooded cloak.
Aranrhod offers you a skin of spring water. Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

You shake your head.

Mnar removes a flagon of blackberry brandy from in his Dhe'nari scout cloak.

You moan.

Aranrhod says, "Maybe that will help"

Aranrhod sighs.

Vonka says, "I said a prayer fer 'is wife."

Kadesha asks, "as much as I dislike Thurfel, I cant see Iscikella ever being given a reason to show kindness to the liches either, have you?"

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

Lord Zosopage just arrived.

Aranrhod says, "She is in pain"

Juspera says, "In the end, it doesn't matter what happened. We still have to be distrustful of Thurfel AND the liches."

Ilvane put a small silver-tipped quill in her deep black volume.

Aranrhod put a skin of spring water in her hooded cloak.

Mnar asks, "Have you tried alcohol?"

Ilvane gently closes a moonstone-set deep black volume.

Mnar cocks his head at Aranrhod.

Ilvane put a moonstone-set deep black volume in her black silk cloak.

Mnar takes a drink from his blackberry brandy.

Vonka nods to Juspera.

Arimantis says, "One thing that has been botherin me.. what are all them bodies doing around the altar Thurfel made"

Aranrhod says, "No...I do not drink...so have none"

Juspera smiles at Vonka.

Mnar says, "I can't imagine Gavrail would find that fun."

(Iscikella tries to breathe more slowly.)

Ilvane asks, "Sacrifices?"

You cry in pain, weeping with your torment.

Elendr says, "She won't even try to listen. And as much as you like her and trust her, she is not a kind woman because she believes so strongly in ideals that she won't open her mind to any possibilities."

Kadesha peers quizzically at Arimantis.

Juspera says, "Give her some of what's in that vial you got tonight, Mnar."

Juspera just nudged Mnar.

Mnar glances at Juspera.

Juspera says, "You didn't seem to find that too much fun."

Shonison says, "where is the altar? I have yet to see it"

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

Mnar says, "I don't think that will help."

Kadesha says, "I havent seen his altar, whats there Arimantis"

Juspera snaps her fingers.

Arimantis says, "The altar be surounded by skeletons.. lots an lots of em"

Shonison asks, "aye, but where?"

Your head pounds dully.

Zosopage says, "if its the one i think of its in his cellar"

(Iscikella rubs her temple)

You cry in pain, weeping with your torment.

Arimantis says, "He said.. they was wardin evil.. or somthin.."

You clasp your arms around your knees and rock back and forth.

Shonison nods.

Juspera says, "Poor Iscikella."

Kadesha says, "I have also wondered why a man who claims no religion has built an altar"

Arimantis says, "It in a secret vault, hidden away sos the lichs won find it"

Juspera says, "Really, we could knock you out, if you would like."

Juspera peers quizzically at you.

Shonison says, "ah"

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

Mnar offers you a flagon of blackberry brandy. Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

Mnar says, "Try that."

You shake your head.

Offer declined.

Ilvane just tickled Juspera.

You say, "I can't."

Shonison asks, "you wish to endure the pain?"

Mnar raises an eyebrow.

Arimantis sighs.

You say, "I'll get sick if drink that."

You say, "My head is pounding."

Elendr furrows his brow.

Mnar says, "You'll make us sick if you don't."

Ilvane says, "Comes from being married to..."

Shonison says, "that still leaves unconsciousness"

(Ilvane trails off)

Shonison chuckles.

Mnar offers you a flagon of blackberry brandy. Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

Mnar says, "Just try it."

You think to yourself, "I don't want any damn brandy! I don't want yer sarcasm either! I just want Glibber out of my head!."

The rasping noise grows louder in your head.

Arimantis just kissed Ilvane on the forehead.

A snow white beeswax candle glows warmly with a soft, flickering light.

You shake your head.

Mnar says, "There's not much left."

Offer declined.

Kadesha whispers, "ths is for Gavrail, jus to let her know I am not fooled one minute by this ploy for pity, and the sooner these undead maggots get passed the gate where they belonf, the better"

(Mnar swirls his glass around.)

You weep softly, quiet tears falling from your eyes.

Mnar says, "It would muffle the voices."

Vonka bites her lip.

Kadesha whispers, "nope I dont trust Thurfel, never have, but sure aint trusting liches"

Vonka takes off some white rolton wool earmuffs.

Mnar says, "Confuse them, muddle their source. It could help."

Juspera furrows her brow.

Vonka offers you some white rolton wool earmuffs. Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

Tjaran takes off a pair of small gold-rimmed spectacles.

(Juspera grabs at Mnar's brandy.)

The beeswax candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the room.

Kadesha rubs you gently.

Juspera says, "I want to muffle the voice."

Mnar scowls at Juspera.

Juspera says, "Voices."

You think to yourself, "Oh, go away, all of ye! Just go away! I can't fight this with ye pushing and prodding at me. Go away!"

Vonka says, "Mebber dis'd help, Iscikella."

Juspera mutters under her breath.

Vonka nods to Aranrhod.

Offer declined.

(Tjaran cleans his spectacles with the edge of his cloak.)

(Mnar fends Juspera off with his free hand.)

Tjaran puts on a pair of small gold-rimmed spectacles.

You clasp your arms around your knees and rock back and forth.

Vonka just hugged Aranrhod.

Juspera removes a bottle of pungent brandy from in her cloak.

Shonison says, "it must be horrible if it has an empath crying"

Juspera takes a hearty swig of her brandy.

Aranrhod just hugged Vonka.

Elendr fidgets.

Juspera vigorously shakes her head.

Aranrhod stands up.

Aranrhod says, "If you will all excuse me please"

Aranrhod just went southwest.

Juspera asks, "Frankly, it is hard to watch you go through this, Iscikella. You sure there is nothing we can do?"

(Vonka hangs the earmuffs around her neck.)

The glow from a snow white beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.

Vonka puts on some white rolton wool earmuffs.

You say, "I don't know any way to stop the pounding."

Juspera says, "Let us put you to sleep."

Ilvane exclaims, "Drink!"

Ilvane nods.

As suddenly as it filled your head, the noise is gone.

Shonison says, "sleep"

Arimantis glances at Ilvane.

Arimantis removes a bottle of dark rum from in his spidersilk vestment.

Juspera says, "Perhaps the lich will get bored, and leave."

Arimantis says, "Okies"

Arimantis takes a hearty swig of his rum.

Vonka asks, "When did it start, Iscikella?"

Ilvane flails her arms about.

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

Ilvane says, "Not you."

Lord Zosopage just went southwest.

You blink.

Ilvane gives Arimantis a little prod between the shoulder blades.

Arimantis glances at a bottle of dark rum.

Shonison says, "or death...but sleep is probably better"

Juspera put a bottle of pungent brandy in her cloak.

Arimantis grumbles.

You say, "Stopped. Just stopped, just immediately."

Juspera wipes the sweat from her brow.

Juspera slowly empties her lungs.

Mnar takes a drink from his blackberry brandy.

Arimantis rubs his chin thoughtfully.

You say, "It started when Thulevier was talking."

You say, "Was Gavrail."

You say, "Her rasp."

You say, "Noise in my head."

You say, "Just noise."

You say, "No words."

Vonka raises an eyebrow.

Juspera furrows her brow.

Arimantis rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Juspera asks, "Was she humming?"

You look at Juspera and shake your head.

You say, "No."

Ilvane says, "Gibbering."

You say, "Rasping noise."

Ilvane grins slowly.

Juspera says, "That would be a good way to annoy someone though, huh, rasp hummingly in their head."

Lord Zosopage just arrived.

You say, "I wasn't doing that."

Elendr chuckles.

Zosopage offers you a cup of lemon honey tea. Enter ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.
You accept Zosopage's offer and are now holding a cup of lemon honey tea.

You smile at Zosopage.

You say, "Thank ye."

Zosopage smiles.

Zosopage says, "welcome"

Elendr cocks his head.

The beeswax candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the room.

You say, "She was gibbering."

You say, "I wasn't."

Shonison says, "well now that you are feeling better, I need to be off"

Arimantis seems to be trying to figure out how to turn a glob of lint-covered chocolate chip cookie dough.

Shonison says, "good night all"

Shonison waves.

Juspera curtsies to Shonison.

Quite diligently, Arimantis rolls his cookie dough into a perfectly round ball.

Shonison bows.

High Lord Shonison just went southwest.

Arimantis ponders.

Adimiron asks in Elven, "maybe she didnt want you to hear what Thulevier had to say?"

You say, "And she said that strange line too."

Juspera says, "That's a possibility."

Juspera says, "In fact..."

Vonka asks, "Whut line?"

You say, "the rasping started actually last night in Voln."

Vonka cocks her head at you.

You say, "But was just for a moment or two there."

You say, "Not like this."

Arimantis says, "It don make sense though.. fer her not ta want ya ta her somethin that might sway ya"

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

You shake your head.

Arimantis says, "hear even"

Juspera says, "...yeah, you're right."

Arimantis grumbles.

Juspera furrows her brow.

Juspera says, "I don't know of a reason the liches wouldn't want you to turn against Thurfel."

You say, "Others heard her speaking but I didn't."

You say, "I just heard the rasping."

You say, "Loud in my head."

(Mnar taps his fingers thoughtfully against his arm.)

You say, "Hurting."

Kadesha asks, "what strange line?"

Arimantis rubs his chin thoughtfully.

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

You say, "The one where said that name I kept asking what meant."

Elendr smiles faintly.

You say, "I didn't say that."

You say, "She did."

Arimantis asks, "What was the name again?"

Kadesha says, "it seemed a mispronunciation of Vonka's name"

Mnar nods.

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

Mnar says, "An anagram."

Mnar says, "Vkona, or something."

You say, "I don't remember now."

Adimiron says in Elven, "it was Vkano"

Ilvane nods.

You say, "But was a whole line."

Kadesha says, "Vkano, I think"

Arimantis asks, "Perhaps his wife's name?"

Zosopage nods to Kadesha.

Zosopage says, "thats sounds right"

You say, "Something more than that."

You say, "hs sprit? something like that."

You say, "I don't know."

Mnar asks, "Why would Gavrail whisper that?"

Vonka's face turns slightly pale.

You say, "She didn't whisper it."

Vonka asks, "Yer t'ink her name were Vkano?"

You say, "She said it from my mouth."

Juspera says, "It does seem a bit much like Vonka's name."

Mnar says, "She probably just meant to say your name."

Mnar nods to Vonka.

You say, "She said it outloud."

Adimiron says, "you kept asking who is Vkano"

You nod to Adimiron.

You say, "But it wasn't just the name."

You say, "Was a whole question."

You ask, "Didn't any of ye hear?"

Mnar says, "The odds that there would be someone else tangled up in this with a name like that are astoundingly small."

You say, "In a language I didn't understand."

A faint, flickering light emanates from a snow white beeswax candle, warming the room with its glow.

Adimiron says, "i only head you asking who is Vkano"

Arimantis says, "Just heard ya askin who she was"

You sigh.

Mnar says, "I thought you were just babbling... Vkano his is spirt, or something."

You shake your head.

You exclaim, "I didn't say it!"

You exclaim, "Gavrail did!"

Elendr frowns.

Mnar says, "Gavrail, then... something like that, Vkano his is sprit."

A wisp of smoke rises from a snow white beeswax candle as the hot wax drips and splutters.

Adimiron says, "oh yea Vkano, see his is sprit"

Juspera says, "That must be a puzzle."

Mnar says, "Or just babbling."

Juspera says, "Or gibbering."

Mnar says, "Frankly, I'm inclined to believe the latter."

Juspera says, "But we must look at the possibility of the former."

You ask, "Why would she say it then?"

Vonka asks, "Vkano is 'is sprit?"

You say, "I didn't say it."

Vonka scratches her head.

Mnar asks, "Because she's unbalanced?"

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

Elendr folds his arms over his chest.

Ilvane shakes her head.

Ilvane says, "Time for sleep..this is all far too vague and confusing to me."

Tjaran nods to Ilvane.

Ilvane says, "And if my head spins anymore, I don't think I can take it."

Juspera curtsies to Ilvane.

Ilvane giggles.

Tjaran says, "I am with you on that one."

Juspera furrows her brow.

Ilvane stands up.

Kadesha just hugged Ilvane.

Tjaran stands up.

Juspera says, "Actually, it is rather late, isn't it."

Mnar says, "Let's not read too much into every little utterance that we managed to glean from these things. They've spent centuries entombed beneath a town filled with halflings, we can't expect pure rationality."

Ilvane just hugged Kadesha.

Vonka says, "Dun' blame yer one bit."

Juspera says, "I should be off too."

Vonka sits up.

Ilvane just hugged Tjaran.

Arimantis stands up.

You take a drink from your lemon honey tea.
Nice.

Ilvane just hugged Vonka.
Vonka just hugged Ilvane.

A faint, flickering light emanates from a snow white beeswax candle, warming the room with its glow.

Elendr says, "Gavrail likely had nothing to do with what you were saying Iscikella. I'm sorry."

(Iscikella stares into the tea.)

Ilvane smiles at Juspera.

(Vonka draws her knees up and hugs them.)

You say, "Yes, she did."

Mnar nods to Juspera.

Arimantis says, "fer some reason.. I don feel like lettin you sleep alone tonight"

Kadesha glances at Elendr.

Arimantis just kissed Ilvane on the forehead.

Elendr asks, "How do you know?"

You say, "Was her rasping in my head."

Ilvane nods to Arimantis.

Juspera says, "We shouldn't jump to conclusions, no. But unless we look at it as a puzzle, we will never see the answer, if one happens to be there."

Mnar just kissed Juspera on the hand.

Juspera blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.

Juspera curtsies.

Kadesha says, "I do think Iscikella would know when shes speaking herself or not"

You say, "I don't care what she tells ye, Elendr."

Juspera says, "Good night, all."

You say, "Was her rasp."

You say, "And she spoke."

Elendr says, "Iscikella... Gavrail is gone."

Mnar says, "Kris har'esh, thief."

Juspera just went up.

Tjaran nods to Ilvane.

You think to yourself, "Gone, huh? My, she does lie to ye, Elendr! She was right here the whole time, using my body, invading it. You think ye matter so much to her she won't do that with other possessed to achieve her ends? Ye truly are besotted!"

Elendr sighs sadly.

You say, "I don't care what she told ye."

You say, "She isn't gone."

Kadesha says, "she was here earlier"

You say, "She's in me."

(Mnar slumps slightly.)

Ilvane says, "She is not gone."

You ask, "Are ye such a fool, Elendr?"

Tjaran just hugged Ilvane.

Tjaran just hugged Arimantis.

Vonka asks, "How der yer know she be gone?"

You say, "She's in me."

You struggle, but fail to stand.

Ilvane says, "Maybe out of your head..blessedly."

Tjaran says, "Goodnight"

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Arimantis just hugged Tjaran.

Ilvane nods to Elendr.

Mnar frowns.

Mnar sits down.

Elendr says, "Thurfel..."

Elendr sighs sadly.

You exclaim, "No!"

Elendr shakes his head.

You exclaim, "Gavrail is in me!"

Vonka asks, "He got 'er orb?"

You say, "She is fooling ye."

You say, "She is hiding in me."

You think to yourself, "Oh for pity's sake, Elendr, wake up! The lich is using ye far more than Thurfel has ever used me."

You say, "Trust them."

You say, "And watch them stab ye in the back."

Ilvane blinks at you.

Elendr says, "I don't know Vonka. But, it is very likely."

Mnar nods to Vonka.

Ilvane asks, "You have two of them inside of you now?"

You nod to Ilvane.

Elendr glances at you.

You say, "Yes."

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Vonka raises an eyebrow.

Ilvane flails her arms about.

You say, "Is why I told her to go back to her own "toy"."

Quite diligently, Arimantis rolls his cookie dough into a perfectly round ball.

Kadesha sighs.

Ilvane paces back and forth.

Elendr smiles faintly.

Mnar nods to Vonka.

Arimantis ponders.

Ilvane says, "Which he seems to almost welcome."

Ilvane glances at Elendr.

Vonka just hugged Kadesha.

Elendr gazes heavenward.

A snow white beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.

Kadesha reaches out and holds Vonka's hand.

Vonka sniffs at Kadesha.

Kadesha snuggles up to Vonka.

You concentrate on the Adrenal Surge spell...
You gesture.
You feel a surge of energy that carries you to your feet in a heartbeat, with no sense of effort whatsoever!

Vonka sniffs.

Elendr says, "Assumptions. Always assumptions."

Vonka just hugged Kadesha.
Kadesha just hugged Vonka.

You ask, "Does she have a rasping voice?"

You cock your head at Elendr.

Ilvane says, "That you smiled at the thought.."

You say, "Fool yerself."

Ilvane sits down.

You say, "She was here."

You tap yourself on the chest.

Ilvane leans against the south wall.

Ilvane says, "I'm just going to sleep here..safer."

Ilvane nods.

Ilvane just touched the south wall.

Zosopage just hugged Ilvane.

The beeswax candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the room.

Zosopage just hugged Kadesha.
Ilvane just hugged Zosopage.
Zosopage hugs you.

Kadesha rubs Vonka gently.

Zosopage just hugged Vonka.
Kadesha just hugged Zosopage.

Zosopage bows to Arimantis.

Ilvane just kissed Arimantis.

Arimantis bows to Zosopage.

Mnar nods to Vonka.

Kadesha just hugged Arimantis.

Arimantis just kissed Ilvane.

Zosopage says, "have a good night all"

Arimantis just hugged Kadesha.

Tjaran nods to Zosopage.

Zosopage just hugged Tjaran.

Ilvane closes her eyes for a moment.

Ilvane stretches.

Arimantis sits down.

Arimantis cuddles up with Ilvane.

Ilvane just left.

Kadesha begins chuckling at Arimantis.

Kadesha says, "that must be annoyin"

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Elendr shrugs.

Kadesha whispers, "Gavrail still there?"

Mnar nods to Vonka.

Kadesha rubs you gently.

Vonka just hugged Zosopage.

Vonka says, "G'night."

Arimantis sighs.

Zosopage says, "night Vonka"

You look at Kadesha and shake your head.

Vonka smiles at Zosopage.

You say, "Noise faded, Kadesha."

Mnar stands up.

The beeswax candle flickers softly, casting a warm light throughout the area.

Mnar bows.

Mnar just went southwest.
Lord Zosopage just went southwest.

Vonka leans on Kadesha.

Vonka closes her eyes for a moment.

Kadesha nods to you.

Kadesha sighs.

Vonka snuggles up to Kadesha.

Vonka removes a silly acrobatic toy rogue from in her spidersilk cloak.

Kadesha snuggles up to Vonka.

A small draft catches the flame of a snow white beeswax candle and it flickers brightly.

Vonka lies down.

Kadesha says, "no reason for the abuse Isci takes, even if she does trust Thurfel, really"

Kadesha says, "like I asked him but he didn asnwer, to begin with few of the town trusted Thurfel but the acts of the nine turned more toward him"

A bit of melted wax drips from a snow white beeswax candle with a hiss. The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.

Kadesha says, "I personally be happy all ten em dead, permanently all the way dead"

Vonka says, "Dere wouldn' be no questions den."

Vonka says, "Leas' ways, no questions whut git folks kilt."

A snow white beeswax candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.

Kadesha says, "I might believe there was tragedy in ther lives an he was part of it, but they still were a council dedicated to Luukos then ans that don't make them trustworthy now"

Elendr fidgets.

(Tjaran turns around, looking a little dejected.)

A snow white beeswax candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.

Lord Tjaran just went southwest.

Kadesha says, "its like a bunch snakes mad at each other, if they left us outta it, be let em all be gone"

You say, "I just know really hurt."

Vonka sniffs.

You take a drink from your lemon honey tea.
Nice.

A snow white beeswax candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.

Kadesha rubs you gently.

You say, "I think I need to go some place alone."

You think to yourself, "Away from those who just don't seem to comprehend the devious methods of these liches, and prefer the fairytales they tell even while they switch which possessed they inhabit to torment in secret."